A VETERAN’S charity have teamed up with a Bournemouth based rugby club to host a monthly veteran’s breakfast club.

Oakmeadians Rugby Club at Meyrick Park will host a breakfast club on the fourth Saturday of every month for ex-servicemen, specifically for those suffering from loneliness, depression and mental health issues such as anxiety and low esteem.

“We are pleased to be working with Bob Perry from SSAFA to provide a setting to host a breakfast club for veterans in the area.

“Having heard the news about ex-rifleman Jamie Davies, who played for East Dorset Rugby Club, we as a club wanted to do our bit to support those who may also have social or mental health issues.

“The comradery among veterans is similar to that among rugby players, and we know how important it is for people to have a laugh and a joke, but to also have that support from your mates.”

The breakfast club, run by SSAFA Dorset, will give former military personnel a chance to talk to likeminded people in a relax social environment.

SSAFA in Dorset caseworker Bob Perry said: “We need to do more for our Veterans, especially those suffering Physical and Mental Health issues which can manifest as PTSD and result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

“We have amongst us today Veterans from recent campaigns in Northern Ireland, The Balkan Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these men and women will be aged under 50 and having to deal with their issues and demons whilst trying to support young families and stay in or find gainful employment.

“Yes, there are many very good agencies and Charities out there with the expertise to help but for some of the more vulnerable amongst this group, merely signposting them to a suitable agency becomes so daunting that it is near impossible to pick up the phone or start to fill out an application, never mind walk out of the door to an appointment.”

The first breakfast club will be held on Saturday February 22 from 10am.

As well as their Woodland Wellbeing Project at Holton Lee and another Breakfast Club at Iford held on the first and third Saturday of every month, SSAFA have also recently set up a Veteran’s walking club, the first of which will be held on Saturday February 8.

The group will meet the car park in Marlow Drive near the No 1 South Africa shop before commencing on the walk at 10am.

Bob added: “I know, from running my SSAFA Woodland Wellbeing Project, that getting people to turn up in the first place is the most difficult part.

“However, I have seen over the three years of my project that within 15 minutes of arrival, my clients come to life and start to engage with others, and real friendships are formed and continue to this day.

“Effectively it forms a support network and alleviates the loneliness aspect of these situations, making the guys realise that they are not alone and there is always someone else to talk to.”